Who ruled in Babylon between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar?

A very natural question arises: who ruled in Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar and before Belshazzar? This question is particularly important when reading the Book of Daniel, since in chapter 5 Belshazzar appears as king, and Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned as his "father." At first glance, it might seem as though there were no other rulers between them. However, history and the biblical text itself reveal a somewhat more complex picture. Understanding this sequence helps us better appreciate the accuracy of Scripture and the spiritual meaning of the narrative.

Who ruled after Nebuchadnezzar

After the death of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian throne did not pass immediately to Belshazzar. The historical succession looks like this: first Amel-Marduk (Evil-Merodach), then Neriglissar, followed by Labashi-Marduk, after him Nabonidus, and during the reign of Nabonidus, Belshazzar was granted a prominent role in the kingdom.

Amel-Marduk, also called Evil-Merodach, was the son of Nebuchadnezzar. He is the one mentioned in 2 Kings 25:27 and Jeremiah 52:31, where it is recorded that he released Jehoiachin, king of Judah, from prison. This is an important biblical reference point, as it directly confirms that there was another king after Nebuchadnezzar.

Then reigned Neriglissar, followed for a very short time by Labashi-Marduk, and subsequently Nabonidus seized power. It was Nabonidus who was the actual supreme ruler of the empire at the close of the Babylonian era. Belshazzar, on the other hand, was not so much an independent emperor in the full sense as he was a co-regent, governing within the capital itself and performing royal duties.

Why Belshazzar is the central figure in the Book of Daniel

Daniel 5 describes Belshazzar's feast, the mysterious writing on the wall, and the fall of Babylon. It is Belshazzar who summons the guests, commands that the temple vessels be brought, promises a reward to Daniel, and acts as king. Therefore, to eyewitnesses in the city, he was indeed the actual ruler on that night.

Especially telling is the text: "Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom" (Daniel 5:29). Why specifically the third? This harmonizes perfectly with the historical situation: Nabonidus was first, Belshazzar was second, and Daniel could only be offered third place.

This is one of the indirect proofs of the historical reliability of the Book of Daniel. Critics once doubted the existence of Belshazzar because extra-biblical sources spoke predominantly of Nabonidus. Later archaeological discoveries, however, confirmed that Belshazzar indeed exercised high authority as co-regent. Thus, the Bible was shown to be precise.

Why Belshazzar is called the "son" of Nebuchadnezzar

In Daniel 5:11, 18, 22, Nebuchadnezzar is called Belshazzar's father. In biblical language, however, the word "son" does not always denote a direct biological son. It can mean a descendant, a successor, a representative of a dynasty, or simply an heir to royal power in a broader sense.

Such idioms are common throughout Scripture. Therefore, describing Belshazzar as the "son" of Nebuchadnezzar does not contradict the existence of several kings between them. Rather, the Book of Daniel emphasizes spiritual succession: Belshazzar stood in the same Babylonian royal tradition and knew what had happened to Nebuchadnezzar, yet he failed to draw the right conclusions.

Daniel states this very plainly: "And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this" (Daniel 5:22). Thus, the focus is not merely on genealogy, but on moral accountability. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God and acknowledged His sovereignty, whereas Belshazzar, knowing that history, continued in a life of pride and sacrilege.

What this history reveals about God's judgment

The Book of Daniel does not merely present a list of kings. It shows that God governs history. Babylon seemed impregnable, yet on the night of the feast, its kingdom came to an end. "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain" (Daniel 5:30). This is one of the most powerful biblical lessons showing that human grandeur, political power, and pride cannot withstand God's judgment.

For Adventist understanding, the Book of Daniel is especially significant because it unveils the sequence of world empires and shows that earthly dominion is temporary, while the Kingdom of God is eternal. In Daniel 2:21 it is written: "He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings." Thus, the question of who came after Nebuchadnezzar has not only historical, but also spiritual significance: all kings come and go, but God remains the Lord of history.

Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that the stories of ancient kingdoms are recorded in the Bible not merely for information, but as a warning. The experience of Nebuchadnezzar and the fall of Belshazzar remind us that pride leads to ruin, while humility before God leads to life. When a person despises the light they have already received, their accountability before God becomes all the greater.

So, who was between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar?

To answer briefly and accurately, between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were: Evil-Merodach (Amel-Marduk), Neriglissar, Labashi-Marduk, and Nabonidus. Belshazzar himself served as co-regent under Nabonidus. Therefore, the biblical account in Daniel 5 does not contradict history; on the contrary, it aligns with it remarkably well.

The practical lesson for us is simple: knowing the facts of the Bible is important, but learning from them is even more vital. Belshazzar knew of God's dealings in Nebuchadnezzar's life, yet he did not humble himself. Therefore, today we should ask ourselves: am I taking God's Word to heart and drawing lessons from it, or do I merely possess information? May the history of Babylon move us to trust the Lord, to reverence what is holy, and to walk in humility before Him who is the true Sovereign of all kingdoms.